Trump Predicts Iran War to End After Midterms, Threatens Nuclear Site Amid Naval Clashes

Former President Donald Trump said he expects the six-month-old war with Iran to conclude after the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, while also issuing a fresh threat to attack a fortified Iranian nuclear-related facility. The statements come amid the most significant wave of reciprocal attacks on shipping since the conflict began, a development that is keeping global oil prices elevated.

Escalating Conflict Roils Oil Markets

Geopolitical tensions are rattling energy markets, with Brent crude prices holding above $100 a barrel as critical supply routes face severe disruption. The escalation follows reports that Iran attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after the U.S. sank five Iranian oil tankers, according to Reuters.

These tit-for-tat strikes have choked off traffic through the vital waterway, which handled about a fifth of global oil supplies before the war. Preliminary ship-tracking data on Thursday showed just seven vessels transited the strait, half the recent 10-day average, signaling a significant setback to efforts to secure the passage.

Political Timeline and Military Threats

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump suggested Tehran was attempting to influence the November U.S. elections, which will decide control of Congress. "I think war is going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer," Trump stated. "They’re desperate to try and affect the election."

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However, The Wall Street Journal later reported that senior White House advisers have privately cautioned Trump that the conflict could extend through the rest of his term. In a separate speech, Trump warned Iran against activity at its heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain facility, a site with deep tunnel complexes near the Natanz uranium enrichment plant. "I would advise Iran not to get cute because we will have to hit them very hard," he said.

Broader Regional Instability

The conflict's impact extends beyond direct U.S.-Iran hostilities, as fighting has also intensified between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition reported on Tuesday that recent Houthi attacks wounded at least 73 people in four southern Saudi cities, including Khamis Mushait.

The Houthi group claimed it targeted an air base and oil infrastructure in what represents one of its largest attacks on the world's top oil exporter since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began in February. Saudi civil defense authorities issued multiple emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait over a 24-hour period, underscoring the persistent threat to regional energy infrastructure.